Davidson Realty, Inc.

Real Estate Market Update

December 23, 2020

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“God has given us two hands – one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing.” Billy Graham

 

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats continue to show more buyer demand than seller supply. Pending sales were below normal in March, April, and May due to COVID-19; however, the year to date pending sales are up 11.6% over the same period last year. The 2,858 pending sales in November is 21.3% higher than last November.

 

The 2,680 closings in November are 13% higher than last November. We are up 6.7% year-to-date over the same period last year.

 

The homes available for sale is the lowest number on any reports I have seen. There are 5,211 homes available in Northeast Florida down 44.7% from 9,418 in November 2019 and 9,976 in November 2018.

 

There is 1.7 months supply of homes for sale which is down 51.4% from last year. A balanced market is 5 to 6 months of inventory.

 

The Northeast Florida builders are building more homes than in any year since 2005. There have been 11,343 permits issued in the Jacksonville MSA through November. That is 18% higher than 2019 in the same period. There were 10,345 permits in all 12 months of 2019.

 

The low supply and increased demand is causing prices to continue to rise. The median sales price of $262,000 is 12.9% higher than last November and we are up 8.8% year-to-date. The average sales price of $317,602 is 17.2% higher than last November and we are up 11.5% year-to-date.

 

Realtor.com has issued the first predictions for 2021. They are predicting a 7% growth in sales nationally and a 5.7% price increase. The 2021 prediction for the Jacksonville area is 9.4% growth in sales and 5.0% increase in prices.

 

Realtor.com is predicting more homes will hit the market in 2021, but buyers will struggle with affordability as home prices continue to rise. Mortgage rates will slowly rise toward 3.4%.

 

· Millennials will continue to drive the market. Older millennials will likely be trade-up buyers while the younger segment of the generation age into their key home-buying years.

· Affordability will become a growing obstacle.

· Inventory will begin the slow road toward recovery.

· Suburbs will shine if remote work stays around.

 

I wish you a wonderful holiday season and an amazing 2021. This year was full of ups and downs with COVID and the election. I wish you a wonderful and safe New Year!

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HOW COVID IS AFFECTING THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

October 21, 2020

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Posted by in Neighborhoods, News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

For nearly three decades, Mike and Felicia created memories and raised five children in their colonial home in Beverly, MA. With every passing winter and as it turned into spring, the Waldrons would begin to daydream about what life would be like living in the Sunshine State. As their two youngest children “flew the coup” as they say, and headed off to college, the Waldrons, looked around their 3,500 square foot home filled with years of memories and felt confident it was the right time to pack up, downsize and head south. “We wanted to move near my parents and my sister and her family who live in Bradenton,” shared Felicia Waldron, “We were ready to escape the hard winter weather of the northeast and the higher cost of living.”

 

The research began and the Waldrons landed on a move to Northeast Florida. Like most who relocate here, they appreciated the friendly and welcoming community, the weather which includes some cooler temperatures during the winter months, and of course, the close proximity to the beach. “As we were touring a home in World Golf Village, we happened to meet Mirtha Barzaga, a Davidson Realty Agent,” Felicia said, “We stayed in contact with Mirtha while we prepared our home in Beverly for market, then listed during COVID.”

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an interesting impact on the real estate market. While inventory is low and homes are selling quickly in most markets, the National Association of Realtors is reporting an influx of people moving to more rural areas from larger cities and moving south for a more moderate climate. These often cross-country moves are a result of a few reasons all COVID related: corporate offices have allowed employees to work from home as a measure to help stop the spread of the virus, homeowners living in congested areas are seeking rural life where COVID cases are typically significantly lower, and families have reprioritized and are looking for a slower pace of life.

 

While the Waldrons were searching St. Johns County for their new and perfect home, they were concerned about each passing day their home in Beverly sat on the market. “It took us more than four months to sell our Beverly house because COVID was ramping up and things were pretty closed down in MA,” Felicia explained, “Mirtha sent us uplifting notes and emails as we were becoming more dejected wondering if our dream of moving to Florida was ever going to come to fruition.”

 

During the early months of the pandemic, the Waldrons found themselves packing up and moving across the country. But more importantly what they found was a good friend in their Realtor, Mirtha. “Mirtha’s experience and expertise helped take some of the stress out of buying a property long-distance. She went above and beyond by recommending home and pest inspectors, title company, arranging for deep cleanings before we arrived, and being present at the walk-through when we were not able. All in all, Mirtha became a trusted friend.”

 

The Waldrons have happily traded in their boots for flip-flops and are enjoying the Florida lifestyle in their Marsh Creek Country Club home. Despite the challenges COVID continues to bring, they are enjoying welcoming neighbors, golfing, and social events. And are beginning to create new memories in their new and perfect Northeast Florida home.

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Real Estate Market Update

October 14, 2020

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Christopher Reeve

 

2020 has certainly presented some overwhelming obstacles and I have seen many heroes step up to help others. Many generous people are supporting our Davidson Cares Clay Day on October 29th and the charities are so grateful. You can still register to shoot or buy raffle tickets at DavidsonCares.com.

 

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats for September show continued strong demand for homes in Northeast Florida. There were 3,307 pending sales in September 2020 which is 36% more than the 2,436 in September 2019. We are up 9% year-to-date over the same period last year.

 

The inventory of homes for sale of 5,869 is down 39% from last September. This is the lowest level of inventory we have seen in this market. During the 2003 to 2005 timeframe when inventory was very low, there were still around 7,000 homes on the market.

 

The month’s supply of inventory is at 2.0 months. A balanced market is 5 to 6 months of inventory.

 

The median sales price is up 8% and the average sales price is up 10% year-to-date due to the increased demand and low supply.

 

Dr. Brad O’Coonor, the Florida Realtors Chief Economist provided some insight at the recent Florida Realtors convention. “The pace of residential building is still behind last cycle’s highs, and while building has continued through the pandemic as construction was deemed an essential occupation, costs of materials and labor have increased. Safety protocols for workers, some disruption in supply chains, and increased demand for materials all have translated into cost increases. Coupled with some uncertainty in lending, relief on the supply side is not coming from new construction.  For existing homes, the tap is dwindling to a dribble as current homeowners are living in their homes for an average of 10 years compared to only seven during the early 2000s. Uncertainty in the economy is also prompting people who can to stay put. That said, demand continues to be strong, as those who were sitting on the sidelines are feeling the pull to jump into a home for the first time or finally trade up, fueled in large part by record-low interest rates and the desire to upgrade to more “pandemic friendly” homes and locations. This all leads to an imbalanced market with demand outstripping supply, particularly in the single-family home category.”

 

It is a great time to sell your home! If we can be of any assistance in understanding the market or the value of your home, please let us know.

 

Enjoy the baseball playoffs and all the other great sports. Go Braves!

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Real Estate Market Update

September 17, 2020

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”

Edmund Burke

 

The big real estate story across the nation and locally is the shortage of available homes for sale. There were 6,403 homes for sale at the end of August according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) market stats. That is 35% less than August 2019 number of 9,874 for a reduction of 3,471 properties. We have 799 fewer properties than last month.

 

There is a 2.3 months supply of inventory available in Northeast Florida which is down 38% from August 2019 when there was a 3.7 months supply. A five to six month supply is considered a balanced market.

 

The inventory is down even with building permits rising. Building permits in the Jacksonville MSA are up about 6% year to date over the previous year even with COVID 19 slowing the process down. There were 7,823 permits issued through the eight months ending August. Most of the builders are selling their speculative homes before construction is finished.

 

The new listings in August 2020 from the NEFAR report are 3,441 homes. This is 4% fewer new listings than August 2019 and we are down 5% year to date. As new listings become available, they are going under contract quickly and many times with multiple offers.

 

There is a strong demand for homes in our market now. In addition to local buyers that want more space for working from home, schooling virtually, or more outdoor space, we have many people moving from other states. Some employers are allowing employees to work from home permanently or at least until mid-2021 and that allows employees to relocate to areas with better weather, more space, and lower taxes.

 

The strong demand and short supply of homes continues to drive prices higher. The median and average sales prices are up 8% and 9% respectively year-to-date. It also creates the perfect time to sell your home. If you are dreaming of a new or different home, please let us know and we can give you the guidance you need to make a good decision.

 

Davidson Cares is not making the mistake of doing nothing as mentioned in the quote. We have found a safe way with individual shoot times and no group gatherings to have our 5th Annual Davidson Cares Clay Day on October 29th. We would love for you to participate and support St. Augustine Youth Services, Investing in Kids and Builders Care with a donation, sponsorship, or as a shooter. Please go to DavidsonCares.com to get all of the information.

 

It is so nice to have sports back. I hope your favorite team has a great year. Thank you for your continued support of Davidson Realty, Davidson Property Management, and Davidson Cares!

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Congratulations to our TOP Producers for July!

August 19, 2020

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Posted by in Agent Feature, News, Top Agents

Concerned about the real estate market? Davidson Realty’s team of agents closed another stellar month of real estate transactions proving NOW is the time to sell your home. And if you’re looking to buy a home, our Davidson Realty team is here to help you with that, too.

 

Davidson Realty kicked off the third-quarter with a strong month of home sales. Our agents at our St. Augustine and Beaches offices ended the month with 49 closings totaling more than $16.5 Million in volume. Congratulations to Davidson Realty’s Top Producers for your hard work during July. 

 

The Top Producer with the most closings for the month is Suzy Evans. Suzy had five closings for more than $2.5 Million. Suzy’s years of experience are evident in her service to her clients. She is ranked in the Top 2% of all Northeast Florida Realtors. 

 

 

 

Mirtha Barzaga was our Top Sales Agent for the month of July. She had more than $1.8 Million in sales and four home sales. Mirtha has been recognized as one of Davidson Realty’s top agents in both service and production. 

 

 

 

Davidson Realty’s Top Listing Agent for the month of July was Candy Gil with more than $450,000 in listings sold. Candy helped two of her clients sell their homes. Candy is dedicated to her clients and particularly enjoys working with first-time home buyers and downsizing retirees. 

 

 

 

Once again, Shelley and Tim Nemethy of The Nemethy Group were Davidson Realty’s Top Producing and Top Sales Team. Shelley and Tim had more than $3.8 Million in closings and more than $2.6 Million in sales for the month of July. Team Nemethy is an incredibly dynamic duo and continues to provide top-notch service to their clients.

 

 

Caitlyn Hawkins was Davidson Realty’s Top Producer for our Jacksonville Beach office last month. Caitlyn had more than $525,000 in closings and continues to help homeowners quickly sell their homes. In addition to her passion for Real Estate, Caitlyn enjoys blogging on a variety of topics ranging from Design to Real Estate Tips. 

 

 

 

Davidson Realty’s Jacksonville Beach Real Estate office had Steve Rodriguez as their Top Sales Agent in July with $500,000 in sales. Steve is phenomenal and helps his clients navigate the home buying and selling process with ease. He has repeatedly been named among Davidson Realty’s top agents in production and sales.

 

 

Congratulations to the entire team at Davidson Realty and especially to these Top Producers! If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Northeast Florida, let one of our experienced agents help you.

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